Rudiger

(3 syl.). Margrave of Bechelaren, a wealthy Hun, liegeman of
King Etzel. In the Nibelungen-Lied he is represented as a most
noble character. He was sent to Burgundy by King Etzel, to conduct
Kriemhild to Hungary if she would consent to marry the Hunnish king.
When Gunther and his suite went to pay a visit to Kriemhild, he
entertained them all most hospitably, and gave his daughter in marriage
to Kriemhild's youngest brother, Giselher: and when the broil broke out
in the dining-hall of King Etzel, and Rudiger was compelled to take
part against the Burgundians, he fought with Kriemhild's second
brother, Gernot. Rudiger struck Gernot “through his helmet,” and the
prince struck the margrave “through shield and morion,” and “down dead
dropped both together, each by the other slain.” —Nibelungen-Lied.